Thread by @drdagly

An open letter to my kidney patients….

First, let me thank you for all of your support. You never once complained that I was late, or a little disheveled. You asked how I was doing even though you were the one in need.

Let me assure you it was because I was running my clinics overtime to catch up with you after we had lost touch during the previous three waves. And I thank all of you for listening to me when I talked about vaccination despite the fact you had already done the right thing.

I thank you for the cards, the cookies, and even the gifts from your garden, not just for me, but for my staff, who were always rearranging my schedule and feeding me lunch. (Cuz apparently I get “hangry”)

I can’t say it’s unexpected, but I have been stalling on this for a while. I’m going to need to close my kidney practice again, but it’s temporary, I swear. The ICU is getting very busy and it’s all hands on deck. I worry about you.

My colleagues have always been there for me and they will be there for you. I will be in contact with my staff for emergencies. Now for the big ask. We have known each other for a while. I hope I have done enough to build trust in our relationship.

I ask that if you have avoided vaccination despite our talks you reconsider. The hospital is full, and I worry that if you get sick you may not get the care you need. What breaks my heart, and I am literally tearing up as I write this, is that if it comes to triage …

If we get there, many of you will not qualify. I don’t want to tell your family members that, most of whom I know personally. Also, I need you to convince your family and friends to get vaccinated. Be nice. You know them. Build bridges. It’s really important.

When this is over, and I hope it is soon, we will get together again. We will catch up.

Sincerely,

Darren.